American International College and public, private officials announce Springfield 'Eastern Gateway' redevelopment project on State Street

The Republican | Mark M. MurrayPublic and private sector officials praise plans for the Eastern Gateway project on State Street during a groundbreaking cermony on Monday, including Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray, speaking at the podium. Also taking part from left to right, Frank Colaccino, Chairman of the Board, American International College, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard E. Neal, and Vincent M. Maniaci, President of AIC.

SPRINGFIELD – Public and private sector officials gathered Monday to announce a joint venture by American International College and DevelopSpringfield, a nonprofit corporation, to create a mixed-use development on the State Street corridor that will include retail, commercial and institutional uses.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, and American International College president Vincent M. Maniaci were among officials who gathered at 1168 State St., which is part of the 4.8 acre development project known as “Eastern Gateway.”

Maniaci said the project on the north side of State Street benefits the neighborhood, the city and the college, adding green space and commercial revitalization.

“There is a lot to be said for momentum and a lot to be said for morale,” Maniaci said. “This project will provide immediate benefits by replacing unproductive properties and clearing the way for productive revitalization of the area. It will serve as a powerful catalyst for future investment and development that will further economic growth.”

The development site is an assemblage of 18 properties along the State Street corridor including former car lots and a former barbershop. In collaboration with the city, properties were purchased by the college and through a development agreement with DevelopSpringfield, the city’s nonprofit economic development corporation.

Phase 1 includes acquisition, environmental remediation and greening of the area, followed by a refinement of plans and construction in the second phase. The total cost of the development is not yet known as it will take a number of years to accomplish with private investment, Maniaci said.

It will also provide an attractive pedestrian way to the college’s athletic field complex, he said.

The project builds upon the recently completed, $17 million State Street corridor improvement project and complements other development on the corridor including construction of the new federal courthouse, Neal said.

“This is indicative of what we discussed with improvements to the State Street corridor,” Neal said. “State Street is a national treasure. It has connections to American luminaries from George Washington to James Naismith.”

The project was a key recommendation of the State Street Corridor Redevelopment Program. The program resulted from a study commissioned in 2008 by the State Street Alliance, a an affiliation of more than 60 businesses, educational institutions, neighborhood councils, faith-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations.

Murray said the development reflects the strong partnership between the city, state, and federal government, along with American International College, DevelopSpringfield, that will trigger private investment, adding “we look forward to the jobs and economic opportunities this project will create.”

Sarno said the project will benefit the college and other partners, and benefit State Street, which he described as a heavily traveled corridor.

“By making it a more attractive and vital corridor, we improve the city’s overall image and enhance its economic position,” Sarno said.

Nicholas Fyntrilakis, chairman of DevelopSpringfield, said the project reflects that “community driven planning can yield positive results.” The State Street corridor is the “eastern gateway” into the Mason Square area and downtown, he said.